sociology

so·ci·ol·o·gy   (sō'sē-ŏl'ə-jē, -shē-)    n.   The study of human social behavior, especially the study of the origins, organization, institutions, and development of human society. Analysis of a social institution or societal segment as a self-contained entity or in relation to society as a whole. [French sociologie : socio-, socio- + -logie, study (from Greek -logiā; see -logy).] so'ci·o·log'ic (-ə-lŏj'ĭk), so'ci·o·log'i·cal (-ĭ-kəl) adj., so'ci·o·log'i·cal·ly adv., so'ci·ol'o·gist n.

sociology

The systematic study of human society, especially present-day societies. Sociologists study the organization, institutions, and development of societies, with a particular interest in identifying causes of the changing relationships among individuals and groups. (See social science.)

sociology 

Main Entry: so·ci·ol·o·gy
Pronunciation: "sO-sE-'äl-&-jE, "sO-shE-
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -gies
: the science of society, social institutions, and social relationships; specifically : the systematic study of the development, structure, interaction, andcollective behavior of organized groups of human beings